A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Bedside Tables

When designing your bedroom, the bed may take centre stage, but bedside tables play a vital supporting role. They serve practical purposes—holding essentials like lamps, books, and water—and add a sense of style and balance to the space. Whether you’re after a timeless Hamptons bedside table, a coastal bedside table with relaxed charm, or a wide, spacious option for extra storage, here’s a guide to choosing the perfect piece for your needs.

 

Understanding the Needs of Your Space

Start by considering who will be using the bedside table and where it will be placed. For your personal bedroom, durability is key. Wood tables are a great option because they can withstand daily use and offer a classic look that fits most interior styles. Guest bedrooms, on the other hand, open up more material options, as they won’t be used as frequently. Glass or veneer tables add an elegant touch to these rooms without demanding daily maintenance.

For children’s rooms, functionality and resilience take priority. A locker-style metal bedside table can be a stylish yet practical choice, easy to clean and capable of withstanding rougher use. Finally, if you’re setting up for an Airbnb or rental space, think durability and ease of upkeep—stain-resistant finishes like veneer are both long-lasting and easy to maintain, ideal for busy guest spaces.

 

Finding the Right Size for Comfort and Style

The size of your bedside table should suit both your needs and the room’s layout. A well-proportioned table enhances the room’s balance and complements your bed without overwhelming the space. Start by thinking about height: ideally, a bedside table should align with the height of your mattress to ensure easy access to anything you might need during the night. Taller tables work well in rooms with raised beds, while lower tables are a natural choice for platform beds.

Width and depth also matter, especially in smaller rooms. Wide bedside tables offer more surface area for lamps, books, or decorative items but can crowd smaller spaces. If floor space is limited, go for a compact design with just enough depth for the basics—this will keep the table functional while allowing room to move comfortably around the bed.

 

Choosing a Style that Suits Your Space

Bedside tables come in a wide array of styles, each lending its own character to the room. For an elegant and airy look, consider a Hamptons bedside table with a classic white or light wood finish. Coastal bedside tables, with weathered finishes and natural textures, bring a touch of the beach to your space, creating a relaxed, tranquil vibe. If storage is your main priority, you might opt for a design with drawers or shelves that provide additional organization for night-time essentials like books, glasses, or electronics.

Minimalist styles, which often feature just a tabletop, are ideal if you want a clutter-free look that emphasizes simplicity. For those drawn to contemporary design, tall bedside tables with clean lines and a sleek finish can make a stylish statement. Alternatively, a vintage-inspired table with curved lines and detailed craftsmanship can add warmth and charm.

 

Making the Most of Storage Options

One of the key roles of a bedside table is to offer practical storage solutions. Think about your daily habits and the items you want close by when choosing between designs with or without drawers or shelves. A simple tabletop design with no drawers might suit a minimalist aesthetic, drawing attention to your bed as the main feature in the room. However, if you tend to accumulate bedside items—whether it’s books, reading glasses, or medication—a table with one or two drawers can provide storage that’s discreet yet accessible.

If you like to display items, such as framed photos or small plants, a design with open shelves offers the chance to personalize your space. Shelves can also hold decorative items without crowding the tabletop, making it easy to keep essentials within reach without compromising on style.

Styling Your Bedside Table: Bringing It All Together

Once you’ve chosen the right bedside table, how you style it can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of the room. Simplicity is often best here. Opt for a lamp that matches the room’s design, perhaps alongside a small clock or framed photo. Choose items that are both functional and meaningful to you—this will make the space feel personalized without becoming cluttered.

 

When styling, consider balance as well. Bedside tables don’t necessarily need to match perfectly. Mixing two different tables can add character to the room, especially if they complement each other in colour or style. You could achieve a cohesive look by pairing two different tables with similar lamps, creating a balanced look without strict symmetry.

 

Coordinating with Your Bedroom’s Colour Scheme

Finally, think about the colour scheme and aesthetic of your entire room. A Hamptons bedside table with a white or light wood finish blends seamlessly into a neutral-toned space, while a pop of colour can create a lively contrast if your room has softer hues. Coastal tables with a whitewash finish work beautifully in beach-inspired or casual interiors, while darker, more industrial finishes lend themselves to modern or urban styles.

A Scandinavian-inspired space might call for natural wood finishes and minimalistic designs that emphasise functionality. If you lean toward vintage or eclectic, consider incorporating rich colours or intricate detailing that gives a unique charm to the room. Whatever your style, finding a bedside table that harmonises with your bed and other furnishings is key to creating a cohesive look.

 

Choosing Your Perfect Bedside Table: Key Points to Remember

Ultimately, a well-chosen bedside table combines functionality with a style that complements your taste and the overall look of your bedroom. Keep these main points in mind:

• Height and Size: Choose a table that aligns with your mattress height and suits the available space.

 

• Storage: Think about how much storage you need—do you need drawers for extra items, or are open shelves enough?

 

• Style and Finish: Match the table’s finish with your room’s colour scheme and desired aesthetic, whether it’s Hamptons, coastal, or something more minimalist.

Choosing a bedside table that balances all of these factors will bring both function and beauty to your bedroom, helping create a space that feels uniquely yours. If you need options, browse our shop!